Why do you want a career as a TSA Screener?

What You Need to Know
Entry Level Example
Experienced Example
Community Answers

The interviewer wants to know what drives you to pursue a career as a TSA Screener. Perhaps you were significantly impacted by 9/11, the events that led to the inception of the Transportation Security Organization. Maybe you have traveled a lot and gained an appreciation for the security measures in place to keep you and your family safe.

Provide an answer that offers some personal insight, allowing the hiring authority to get to know you and your motivation. The competition for TSA Screener positions is stiff, and the interviewer must see that you are dedicated to their mission. After all, your passion will keep you successful in this role for years to come. Show the interviewer that you are committed and prepared to dedicate yourself long-term to a career with the TSA.

"I have always been interested in travel, law enforcement, and the airline industry. That led to a desire at an early age to become an Air Marshall. So that is the career I am striving for, but I don't have any law enforcement experience, so I decided to start as a TSA screener and work my way up the ranks. This seemed like the best starting place to chart my career."

"I am pursuing a career with the TSA because of my desire to prevent terrorism and harmful, illegal activity from entering my country and impacting the public. Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected when they travel, and since becoming a parent, this desire inside me has only grown. Second, I come from a family of law enforcement and service professionals, which has engrained this innate desire in me to serve my country and protect its civilians."

Anonymous Answer

"I have a former colleague who works for the TSA and he says he loved his job. That prompted me to look into it. And after keeping the public safe in my previous job I know that's what my calling is so the TSA just made sense to me"

Mary's Feedback

Great job incorporating feedback from a current employee. Companies often encourage employee referrals . See below for reformatting.

"I was prompted to explore the opportunity with TSA after a former colleague (and current TSA employee) shared how much he loves his job. I know my calling is in public safety, and my many years' experience has well-prepared me for the job."

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Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy interfacing with people and keeping the public safe."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good start! Try expanding by tying in some more information and detail that will further qualify you as a good fit.

"I desire to have a career that allows me to interface with others, as I am a social individual. It's also important to me that I keep the public safe and make a difference in others' lives. As a TSA Screener, I will be able to communicate with a wide range of people every day. I will feel that my job has importance and significance concerning the safety and wellbeing of others."

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy working with the public and it is important to me to make a difference in people's lives. I can't think of a better way to serve the public than to keep them safe."

Cindy's Feedback

Good. Can you also discuss your prior career choices, and how they demonstrate your commitment to serving the public?

Anonymous Answer

"I think it would be a great honor to work for the Dept of Homeland Security. I want to feel proud that I helped individuals safely come home to their families. I want to be a part of not letting criminals make it through our borders. To ensure the safety of the general public. Not ever relive the past."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent answer! It comes across as very genuine and sincere. Any interviewer would understand from this answer that you really want this job so you can help people. Good job!!

Anonymous Answer

"I want a career as a TSA Screener because I always dreamed of having a federal government job that will allow me to serve and protect people and I feel that the TSA is a great way to do just that. Furthermore, I have a lot of pride and respect toward TSOs because that is the first job that my dad got after serving in the military, and that led him to have many amazing job opportunities such as K-9 handler and International Inspector. I really look up to my dad and I hope to jump-start my own amazing career path with the TSA."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! This response comes across as very sincere and genuine. It's wonderful that you have such a good role model in your father and that you want to follow in his career footsteps. Any interviewer will find your answer to be memorable and meaningful. Excellent job.

How to Answer: Why do you want a career as a TSA Screener?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a TSA Screener job interview.

7. Why do you want a career as a TSA Screener?

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on June 23rd, 2020

Entry Level Example

Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022

Experienced Example

Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Mary's Feedback

Great job incorporating feedback from a current employee. Companies often encourage employee referrals . See below for reformatting.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy interfacing with people and keeping the public safe."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good start! Try expanding by tying in some more information and detail that will further qualify you as a good fit.

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy working with the public and it is important to me to make a difference in people's lives. I can't think of a better way to serve the public than to keep them safe."

Cindy's Feedback

Good. Can you also discuss your prior career choices, and how they demonstrate your commitment to serving the public?

Anonymous Answer

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent answer! It comes across as very genuine and sincere. Any interviewer would understand from this answer that you really want this job so you can help people. Good job!!

Anonymous Answer

Marcie's Feedback

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